JACKSON, MI – The first stage of renovating the Cascades could be tearing down the 8-foot tall concrete wall hiding the beauty of the once world-renown attraction.

That’s what the special committee tasked with finding ways to fund a $9.5 million renovation will most likely recommend to the county board of commissioners. Any final decisions rest with the county board.

The structure of the Cascades is old and dilapidated as shown by this photo. Courtesy of Tom Steele

The wall would be replaced with a decorative security fence and sod would be planted to create an area where people could gather.

While other renovations could take place first, including mechanical, electrical and structural improvements, a majority of committee members are hoping to send a message to the public by demolishing the barricade.

“We have to show the public we are working towards the end goal,” said committee Chairman David Elwell.

“It would be more doable to break it down into chunks for fundraising purposes,” Elwell said.

Committee members have reached out to area foundations seeking funding support including the Weatherwax Foundation and Consumers Energy and received “very positive feedback,” Elwell said.

Jackson resident Tom Steele works as a postal service carrier and delivers mail to the Cascades on a daily basis. He also remembers visiting the attraction as a child. His mission is to save the Cascades and is hoping state officials will get involved.

“The state has to realize it’s a gem,” he said.

Public fundraisers, foundation grants and the county’s capital improvement fund could pay for some of the renovations.

“As a last resort, we ask the voters to pass a millage,” Elwell said.

The next meeting of the Cascades committee is set for 4 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 16, on the fifth floor of the Jackson County Tower Building, 120 W. Michigan Ave.